Norovirus beach WARNING as up to 100 people struck down by illness

SUN-LOVING Britons are being urged to protect themselves or avoid the seaside after almost 100 people on a beach fell ill with the highly contagious norovirus.

Brits on the beach

Britons are being told to protect themselves from the norovirus over the summer (Image: GETTY)

At least 97 people suffered from symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea and fever after spending time at Woods Pond Beach in Bridgton, Maine in the US last weekend.

In recent weeks, the UK has been hit with a spate of cases linked to the vomiting bug.

Now medical officials are urging people to reduce the risk of infection at popular beach resorts or to stay away altogether.

Reports of norovirus have emerged this summer in the West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Devon, Cornwall, North Wales and South Wales.

There is no direct cure for the illness. 

Norovirus: How to prevent catching the virus

Don’t swallow water from the sea

A PHE spokesperson

Dr Peter Cowling, a microbiologist who deals with cases of norovirus in North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS hospitals, said: “The only way to avoid norovirus is to avoid everyday life.

“You run a risk of catching it wherever you go and if you come into contact with someone who is infected you are highly likely to catch it.”

The virus can spread by close contact with people, through infected surfaces, objects or food.

There is also a risk of infection from swimming in open water.

Woman feeling unwell

The norovirus can leave people feeling unwell for a few days (Image: GETTY)

Scientists in the US confirmed the norovirus infection was behind the mass contamination in Bridgton in the US.

Bob Peabody, Bridgton Town Manager, told a local newspaper: “It’s highly contagious, so it would appear that there’s a human element there, that somebody had it and was at the beach.

“I think the message is, if you’re sick or your children are sick, don’t go to the beach.”

Norovirus usually lasts for one to two days, but can go on for longer.

The NHS advises those with the illness to stay off school or work until the symptoms disappear.

Public Health England has urged Britons to protect themselves when attending beaches and areas with large crowds.

A PHE spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “Sickness and diarrhoea can be caused by different stomach bugs, including norovirus, and can be avoided by practicing good hygiene.

“This includes thorough hand washing with soap and hot water after using the toilet and before eating or preparing foods. Anyone with vomiting and diarrhoea should not be preparing food for others.”

They added: “Don’t swallow water from the sea, beach streams, lakes or ponds and avoid splashing water into your mouth.

“Before eating and drinking, remove sand and other debris from your hands and wash them using soap and water.

“Always follow safety advice and take notice of signs on the beach.

“When the signs indicate that the water in a location is “poor”, bathing should be avoided and we advise people not to swim there.”

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